Indianapolis, IN Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)

Aircraft-in-flight noise is preempted from local regulation; the Indianapolis-Marion County noise chapter (Chapter 391) does not list aircraft among the enumerated noise sources in section 391-302(c). Instead, aircraft and airport noise around Indianapolis International Airport (IND) is governed by federal law and managed by the Indianapolis Airport Authority (IAA) through a Noise Compatibility Program under 14 CFR Part 150, implementing the Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act (49 U.S.C. 47501 et seq.). The federal regulation (14 CFR 150.1) 'prescribes the procedures, standards, and methodology governing the development, submission, and review of airport noise exposure maps and airport noise compatibility programs.' The IAA's Part 150 program, first adopted in 1987 and updated on a five-year cycle, has reduced the population in incompatible-noise areas from roughly 15,000 to fewer than 65. The FAA has accepted IND's updated noise exposure maps as compliant with Part 150 and 49 U.S.C. 47501 et seq. Residents with aircraft-noise concerns are directed to the IAA Noise Hotline rather than to city code enforcement. Indiana state law (e.g., IC 8-21) addresses tall structures and noise-sensitive land uses near airports but likewise does not give Indianapolis authority to regulate aircraft-in-flight noise.